Peer into Modesto’s past as popular free event returns to the McHenry Museum
For one night, the City of Modesto’s McHenry Museum will offer a glimpse into the early days of Modesto with Night at the Museum.
This all-ages event is free and features an opportunity to learn about Modesto through live exhibits and costumed volunteers reenacting life from an early era. Take a walk through the general store and learn about the goods and services offered. Stop by the bank and experience the barbershop, along with several vignettes of live historical performances.
Jessica Flores, Modesto cultural services program manager, said this event was inspired by the popular 2006 movie “Night At The Museum” starring Ben Stiller and aims to give people a look at Modesto’s history in a unique and engaging way. “There will be a lot of interaction with our volunteers in costumes as historical figures and an opportunity for some great photos,” she said.
There also will be crafts and activities, and opportunities to win prizes at the different stations throughout the museum.
Flores said this is the second year they are offering this event and expanding it after the success of last year’s turnout. “In our first year, we didn’t know what to expect,” she said, “We had about 600 people in 3 hours, and though sometimes the lines were a bit long, we had so many people asking, ‘Are you going to do this again?’”
This year, Flores said they are asking for patrons to pre-register to better manage wait times and confirm participants for timed slots. Registration is free, and some same-day on-site ticketing will be available if space permits.
Flores says that as owners and operators of the McHenry Museum, the city of Modesto is thankful for the dozens of volunteers who have made an event like this possible.
“It is so important for our youth to learn about our local history,” said David Seymour, executive director of the McHenry Museum and Historical Society. “We have to start connecting them; otherwise, this is all just a collection of antiques.”
Night at the Museum takes place on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 4-8 p.m. at the McHenry Museum located at 1402 I St. This event is all ages and free, but registration is required. To sign up for a time slot, visit the City of Modesto website or call 209-577-5344.
